Our two daughters were tween-ish when the animated version of Mulan, the Chinese legend first hit the screens back in 1998. I didn't see the original and I probably won't see the live action version either. Disney has spent a fortune to create this lavish version, said to be $200 million USD, which is about a bajillion Canadian.
Because the goal was for the film to be a financial success in China there was tremendous attention to detail, consulting different levels of Chinese government. These were acknowledged at the end of the film, and that's been a stumbling block even before the movie was released. It was filmed, at least in part, in a region of China where there has been oppression of Muslim ethnic minorities. There has been mass incarceration of Uighers in what some term as concentration camps of forced labour. While the Chinese deny this, there is plenty of evidence that it is accurate. While only about a minute of the picture is filmed in that area there are social media calls for a boycott. Added to this controversy is the support by Chinese actress Liu Yifei of the Hong Kong police, who have been accused of brutality toward protesters.
Detainees in a Uighur Labour Camp
It seems that we'll never learn that this is a totalitarian regime which will go to any lengths to secure its hold over its people and those from other nations who end up as collateral damage in international disputes. I've written often about the plight of Christians in China including church buildings which have been dismantled, harrassment, and incarceration of pastors. The two Canadian Michaels, Spavor and Kovrig who are languishing in Chinese prisons as retaliation for Canada upholding the rule of law.
Chances are that the Mulan protests will be little more than a speed-bump for the film, but it's good to know that some people are paying attention. As always we can pray for our Christian sisters and brothers, those of other faiths, and all who are persecuted or imprisoned unjustly.
Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor
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